Serotonergic agents

Abstract

Novel piperazine derivatives are provided having the formula wherein R 1 is cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl or halogen, or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof, which are useful as 5-HT 1A receptor antagonists.

1. A method for treating cognitive impairment in an Alzheimer's disease patient, the method comprising providing to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of formula (III):                  
 
       wherein R 1  is cyano, nitro, trifluoromethyl or halogen, or pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound is (R)-4-cyano-N-{2-[4-(2,3-dihydro-benzo[1,4]dioxin-5-yl)piperazine-1-yl]-propyl}-N-pyridin-2-yl-benzamide.